This year was filled with some of the most amazing boondocking spots we have ever been to. We almost exclusively boondock because of the freedom and places that you would never think you could stay at for around 14 days. Million dollar views for free. River front spots for free. Quiet, with nothing but the sound of the wind through the trees, kind of free.

Our Rig

I have never really gotten into our rig and so I thought I would let you know what we have and what we have done to make it just a little easier to get into some of the spots that we find. Also, why we feel that 22′ is as long as you may want to go if you want to have a lot of flexibility on where you park but still have the space and amenities of a larger RV.

Our rig is considered a B+. A step up from a van (or class B) and a step below a C class. We do not have the over cab bed, but we are wider that a B. We upgraded our fresh water tank from 40 gallons to 55 gallons and it makes a difference. We have a 1,200 watt inverter, 4 – 100 AMP hour lithium batteries and we put 3 – 22 Watt panels on our roof. As a backup, we also have a 4,000 Watt generator. We also have Starlink Mini to stay connected.

Boondocking 101

People have also asked us questions throughout the year. Here are the top three questions we get and a few helpful hints.

1. How do you find spots? We use iOverlander and google maps.
2. How do you know that an area is okay to stay in? In general National Forest and BLM land is free to stay on anywhere from 3-16 days. Check the location national forest or BLM website to know. Sometimes there will be signs with rules. Other times, just staying for a night will not get you a knock on the door.
3. Is Boondocking safe? As with anywhere you stay or camp, if you don’t feel good then don’t stay. Read reviews from people who stayed there before. Knock on wood, we have not had a problem and have met some great people. We have not had any negative encounters. We really feel it out and read about the area.
4. Can my RV or van boondock? This can be a post on its own. Any rig could boondock for a night, but if you want to do more you need to know you have enough power. How much solar do you have, battery power and inverter. Then depending on how much solar you have you have to think of what you do. Are you watching tv, playing ps5, working, charging, have a microwave or air conditioner? Microwave and Air conditioners are a thing on their own. We have to have a generator on to use them. We run off solar but have a backup generator. Then you have to think of the weather. You need sun, so you can’t park under trees to charge. When you drive you charge a little, but nothing to depend on. If you have any questions, let us know, we love to help. Oddly, it is hard to find a lot of information.

Boondocking etiquette:

Do not let your dogs run around to other sites. This isn’t your back yard, respect other people’s space.

LEAVE NO TRACE. This is a must practice. Fire pits are not trash cans. Leave it better than it was before you were there.

Boondocking Warning:

FOLLOW FIRE BANS and put your fire out COLD. LITERALLY touch the embers. It can be easy to think nothing will happen, but it can and quick. The first forest fire of 2024 in the States was in Twin Lakes, Colorado. Started by a group who thought they could have a fire and not put it all the way out. Hundreds of thousands of acres in a day were destroyed.

The Best Boondocking Spots of 2024

Make sure to add these amazing spots to your road trip itineraries! Let us know which is your favorite!

Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming

Medicine Bow was so unique that we stayed in another area for a bit!

Brady, Nebraska

Not as many spots as you head to the midwest but if you find a lake, you might be in luck!

Winter Park, Colorado

Our first time at this cute area at 9,300′! Right outside the resort and mountain bike park.

You might even get lucky to see a Moose and Calf!

Silverthorne, Colorado

We needed to be in the area and found this spot next to the river. Perfect during wildflower season!

Telluride, Colorado

Our first time camping in Telluride. There is nothing in town but the spots about 20 minutes outside are pretty epic. Million dollar view worthy!

We ended up moving closer to some hiking trails and found another beautiful spot!

Paradox, Colorado

This was meant for one night because we were headed west. We lucked out and had it to ourselves and only shared it with the local badger.

It also had an abandoned mining community down the road that you could walk to and explore.

Silverton, Colorado

We love this area! Our first time was here in 2016 and we couldn’t wait to get back. Right along the river in most places and a great opportunity to see moose!

Aztec, New Mexico

We were trying to find a place in Durango and somehow ended up here. Just down from this arch is boondocking. Probably just good for a night, but make sure to explore the arch!

Tusayan at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

We explored Grand Canyon National Park this summer and this was a great spot for home base. 2 minutes from the entrance and 15 minutes from the rim. It is busy but you still had your own area.

Flagstaff, Arizona

When it gets hot we went to Flagstaff. There is tons of boondocking around Flagstaff but it is very busy. All the time.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona has cracked down on their free camping and rightly so. People were disrespecting the lands. So you have to drive a little farther out of town, head to Cottonwood or stay in the OHV parking lots. We found this area and were very happy with it.

Las Vegas, Nevada

You don’t think of boondocking in Las Vegas, but about 30 minutes off the strip in a lot of directions is free camping. Many with awesome views and cute cacti close by.

Northern Nevada

This was down a random road in Northern Nevada when we needed a free nights stay. The great thing about this was the potential for hot springs and burros!

St. George, Utah

As we headed to Utah for a month, we started in St. George. This space was right out of town and close to the state parks. It was slightly busy but SO WINDY. it was close to some trails which was nice too!

Southern Utah

Heading east we found the moon!

Moab, Utah

Moab is also making some changes to their boondocking. Not affected as much as Sedona, they made the most popular area a state park. So you have a nightly fee. If you head further out there are still many boondocking areas available. You are just farther from town but still close to trails.

Our Favorite Boondocking Spots (You’ll find us here at least once a year)

Bend, Oregon

When it gets hot it is time to move up the mountain where there are endless miles of national forest roads. There is so much to do in Bend and the surrounding area and it has so much great free camping!

Are you interested about road tripping to Baja and seeing all the magical beach boondocking you can do while you are there? Then hit subscribe to not miss our adventures and see how you can do it too!

Sneak Peak picture!

Love to pin, use this one!